Related National Programs

1a. Objectives (from AD-416):
The objective of the project is to maintain a voucher germplasm of Plant Variety Protection (PVP) potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars registered with the U.S. Plant Variety Protection Office. The voucher potato germplasm remains the property of the PVP Office and is securely maintained and kept viable for the duration of the donor’s intellectual property rights. After expiration of the PVP, the potato genetic resources are publically released through the National Plant Germplasm System.

1b. Approach (from AD-416):
The potato cultivars are deposited at the USDA-ARS, National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation as tissue culture and are maintained in vitro as shoots and tubers as well as in long-term liquid nitrogen tanks as shoot tips. The cryopreservation procedure has evolved over years. Currently, the droplet vitrification method developed by Haeng-Hoon et al. (2006) is the widest protocol used. According to the lab standards, a minimum of 40% viability is required for an accession to be considered successfully cryopreserved at the Center. Procedural modifications are made for genotypes not responding to the established protocols.

3. Progress Report:
Additional samples continue to be received in FY 12 in accordance with the Plant Variety Protection Office regulations. Shoot tips from the PVP accessions continue to be placed in cryopreservation for secure long-term storage.